Scoutmaster Musings

Winter Good Turns

Now that the boys are older, Christmas morning doesn't come so fast around here so I'm just waiting for people to wake up while I check the weather. The big news around here is the snow and we're supposed to be visiting relatives soon, so I want to travel at the safest time. It looks like we're going to get lucky and have an open window.

Snow and winter weather provides great opportunity for scouts to do some good turns over their holiday break from school. Our troop doesn't meet as a troop over break, but I encourage the patrols to get together on their own for something fun and/or service-oriented.

Individual scouts can easily see if driveways and sidewalks of their neighbors have been cleared. If not, they can offer to do it. Maybe their dad or little brother can be their buddy and help out too.

Scouts should know if they have elderly neighbors. If they do any door-to-door fundraising, or just through exploring their neighborhood, they should remember who lives where. Offering to pick up mail, take garbage cans to the curb, take a pet for a walk, or help with other errands can be a big help in slippery conditions.

Fire hydrants should be kept clear of snow. Many people don't realize this responsibility. A great service project for a patrol is to canvas a neighborhood, clearing fire hydrants after asking the homeowner for permission.The same is true for groups of mailboxes and entries to sidewalks - it helps to have the snow cleared away, but people often forget.

Snow provides many opportunities to help others. A scout providing assistance without pay or reward is being helpful and kind, and hopefully also cheerful since it's such fun getting out in the snow!

I agree 100%! Even in warmer climets like SW Florida where I am, they can do all of the above except the snow things of course. I remember many times as a child (Scout) helping people stuck in the mud when we had excessive high rainfall. Many times they paid us and I told them scouts could NOT accept money and they insited. I said fine and told them it was going for charity and to help those in need. I donated all that money to various charities or bought food the church food pantry for those in need. I never benefited directly from their money. They were greatful for getting out of flooded areas.